Hundreds of Rwandan refugees, who fled to Congo after the 1994 genocide, returned Saturday in a UN repatriation.
Most returnees were women and children, totaling 360 crossing with UN and Save the Children escort.
Rwanda aims to repatriate 2,000, welcoming them as a valuable workforce.
Returnees will receive aid and reintegration support at a transit center.
They were among Hutus fleeing the genocide, many staying after a 1996 invasion.
Rwanda claims some joined Congo’s army, destabilizing the region.
Eastern Congo has suffered violence from government forces and groups like the Rwanda-backed M23.
The M23’s resurgence worsened the humanitarian crisis, allegedly supported by Rwandan troops.
Some returnees, like Nyirakajumba Twizere born in Congo, had never seen Rwanda.
The repatriation follows a long-standing agreement between Rwanda, Congo, and UNHCR.
Over 101,000 have returned, including 1,500 this year, according to Rwandan authorities.
